Work

Pervious concrete pavements for climate change adaptation and mitigation: a systematic review of performance, sustainability, and future perspectives

Year: 2025

Type: review

Abstract: Climate change impacts urban environments, amplifying flood risks, intensifying urban heat island (UHI) effects, and compromising sustainability. Pervious concrete pavements (PCPs) offer an innovative solution by facilitating stormwater infiltration, reducing runoff, and mitigating UHI effects. This review synthesises findings from 473 studies, focusing on material innovations, structural enhancements, hydrological functionality, maintenance practices, and climate resilience benefits. Supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), recycled aggregates, and other additives significantly improve durability, sustainability, and permeability. Although optimised structural designs balance load capacity and infiltration, clogging still limits long-term performance. Maintenance strategies like vacuuming and pressure washing are essential for sustaining permeability. PCPs also reduce UHI effects through evaporative cooling and increased surface albedo, highlighting their strategic value in urban climate adaptation. However, further research is imperative to address gaps in long-term durability, advanced clogging control, and smart technology integration. This review offers a foundation to guide research, infrastructure planning, and sustainable urban policy.

Source: Road Materials and Pavement Design

DOI: 10.1080/14680629.2025.2544244

Authors: Yinglong Wu, Rubén-Daniel López-Carreño, Stanislav Aidarov, Pablo Pujadas Álvarez

Institution: Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya

Language: English

Topic: Urban Stormwater Management Solutions

Subfield: Environmental Engineering

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Sustainable cities and communities, Climate action, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: green

Funder: Agència de Gestió d'Ajuts Universitaris i de Recerca